Aug
30
The Miami Dolphins (1-2) opened a renovated Sun Life Stadium with their first win of the preseason, defeating the Atlanta Falcons (1-2) 13-9.
The Dolphins defense looked the most impressive. In addition to Miami holding the Falcons to nine points in the game, Atlanta’s starting offense was only able to gain 49 yards, all in the air on three pass completions from Matt Ryan. Atlanta’s starting unit gained no yards on the ground, which was dominated up front by an aggressive Dolphins defensive line.
Miami’s linebackers were to blame for those 49 yards gained, as all three of those Ryan passes were short passes that took advantage of the linebackers and their subpar coverage skills.
On offense, the Dolphins got another impressive and efficient performance from Ryan Tannehill, who was behind a makeshift offensive line missing three-fifths of the regular starters. Dallas Thomas was the starting left tackle, while Jamil Douglas replaced Thomas at left guard.
Mike Pouncey started at center but left the game early with a knee injury that didn’t appear to be too serious. He will have an MRI Sunday morning, per Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post.
Miami’s depth, which was an issue in the first two games, held firm in the second half, holding the Falcons to three points. Good field position was the reason for Atlanta’s first three points in the first quarter, while its second field goal came in the second quarter on a two-minute drill once the starters were out of the game.
Here’s a look at the grades as well as some memorable notes and quotes from Miami’s victory over the Falcons.
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